Shahbaz Nadeem retained as Jharkhand captain

Jamshedpur, Oct 19: Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem has been retained as captain of Jharkhand Ranji team while speedster Varun Aaron made a comeback from injury to represent the state in the season commencing later this month.

"We have retained Nadeem as skipper of Jharkhand Ranji team and Aaron, who was out of action for over 15 months due to back injury, will be seen in action for the state this season," said Jot Singh, Chairman of Senior Selection Committee of Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA).

Singh told PTI that Aaron, who was undergoing treatment at National Cricket Academy ever since he was withdrawn from India's squad for the Test series in Australia in 2011-12 due to back injury, was fit and roaring to go.

Singh expressed confidence that Jharkhand, which made into the elite group for the first time, will put it best foot forward this season. He said Jharkhand will face star studded Delhi in the opener, which will start at Keenan stadium here from October 27.

Nadeem, who had led the Jharkhand team impressively last season, was in good form. He had emerged the highest wicket-taker for India A in South Africa recently while he was the highest wicket taker among the spinners in the last Ranji season.